Luxury SUVs You Can Buy For Affordable Prices
If you’re looking for a reliable vehicle with performance and style for under $30,000, look no further. Not everyone can afford the $50,000-plus luxury vehicles but finding the car of your dreams does not have to break the bank. These ten, properly maintained, provide the looks of luxury, fuel efficiency, performance, and a reasonable base price. Before you take a test drive and live the life you dream of, search and compare online deals.
10. Acura NSX
This sporty two-door is a legend that comes with some hefty price tags, but it is possible to find some well-kept used versions at respectable prices. The first generation NSX came out in 1990 and its 3.0-liter V6 engine contained Honda’s VTEC system. In 2016, the ramped up second generation was launched with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine and three electric motors. The transmission is a powerful nine-speed dual-clutch, generating about 500 horsepower, and is equipped with Precision Crafted Performance. Starting at $150,000, thrifty buyers can find vintage models for under $30,000.
9. BMW E39 M5
The BMW name does not disappoint. The E39 M5 has a fifteen-plus year reputation as one of the best four-door performance cars ever made. It has a combination of power, reliability and handling, but besides speed, is spacious enough to be a family car. The V8 engine turns out 400-horsepower, has the sound of a power engine and rides smooth. With room for four passengers, it provides comfort for day trips. Launched with a price tag of $73,874 originally, depreciation has made this BMW an affordable choice.
8. Subaru WRX Premium
Considered a pumped up Impreza, the 2.0-liter, 268-horsepower Subaru WRX Premium is an all-wheel drive with four and six-speed manual transmission. Acceleration is impressive, going from zero to sixty miles per hour in 4.8 seconds and shifting is relatively smooth. The electric-powered steering ensures precise handling and with the help of the Active Torque Vectoring (ATV) system, cornering is stable because the front brakes briefly touch the front wheel, helping the driver steer though. The MSRP for 2017 models start at $27,515.
7. Honda Accord Coupe EX-L
The 2017 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L starts at $24,025 and comes with some upgrades from last year’s model. Inside, it has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity and the exterior has been remodeled with new front and rear fascia designs. The Accord provides a bundle of standard features, including Bluetooth compatibility, newly designed sixteen-inch alloy wheels, a rearview camera, LED taillights, an infotainment center and safety features. It is fuel-efficient, getting eighteen and twenty-eight miles per gallon on city and highway driving, respectively.
6. Porsche Gen 1 Cayman
Do you want to buy a Porsche for an affordable price? It is possible with the Gen 1 Cayman. It will not be the newest model on the lot, and has a slower motor than some of Porsche’s other performance vehicles, but its good looks make up for any downfalls. The two-seater has the usual features of the brand, with ignition to the left of the steering wheel and the engine in the rear. It reaches top speeds of 160 miles per hour and goes from zero to sixty miles per hour in 5.8 seconds. The first generation stopped production in 2011, so used versions can be found at decent prices.
5. Volkswagen GTI SE
Volkswagen’s reputation for reliability is captured in the Volkswagen GTI SE. After forty years, it is still known for its quality, and for a hatchback, provides a compact, yet spacious, ride. Volkswagen has kept up with the times, and available in both two- and four-door models, the 210 horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo engine comes with either four or six-speed manual transmission. Standard features include a touchscreen infotainment center, rearview camera, and sunroof, making it a good bang for your buck.
4. Mazda Miata
The 2016 Mazda Miata is a small, sporty convertible that comes in three trims: Club, Sport and Grand Touring. There is no difference in engine between the three. The 2.0-liter engine produces 155 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque at 4,600 rpm. If you don’t need a lot of space, the two-door, rear-wheel drive Miata gets about 27/34 mpg with city and highway driving and offers some attractive interior features like electronic device and Bluetooth connectivity. There are not a lot of color options, with only white, black and grey on the market.
3. Mercedes E55
Luxury brand Mercedes has an affordable option with the E55. It is supercharged with a twenty-four valve, V-8 aluminum block engine, 469 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque at 2,650 rpm. Available only in five-speed automatic, it has button-enabled manual control located behind the steering wheel. Defined at the hot rod of Mercedes, this luxury sedan has been known to be customized and reworked, and listed with a new car price of $75,000, previously owned E55s can be found for less than $30,000.
2. Ford Mustang Ecoboost
The 2015 Ford Mustang Ecoboost base model started at a new price of $22,510 with a V6 engine, but with an upgrade to a V8, the price jumped to $31,000. The mid-range model is turbocharged with an inline-four engine and 310 horsepower and can go from zero to sixty in 5.5 seconds. Daily driving in the Ecoboost V6 provides about 28 mpg, while the V8 falls to 23 mpg, but add the Performance kit to improve performance and handling, especially with cornering and acceleration.
1. Dodge Challenger SXT Plus
Show your own personal style with this pony car. Dodge offers the base model at less than $27,000 but adds some perks with the Plus mid-level version. With a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, the Plus runs at a max of 305 horsepower. It is tuned up with all the latest in technology with a touch screen infotainment center on the dash, heated and cooled seats, and a back up camera. This two-door with a spoiler and fog lamps is still priced at under $30,000 and pairs performance and luxury for a reliable ride.
